Research In Motion (RIM) today launched BlackBerry Podcasts, a free application and service that allows BlackBerry smartphone users to easily discover, acquire and enjoy podcasts from leading content providers. BlackBerry Podcasts gives users access to free audio and video content that can be downloaded over Wi-Fi or over cellular networks and then enjoyed through the BlackBerry media player. It's available now for free on BlackBerry AppWorld. Here is more info on this new BlackBerry free app:

With BlackBerry Podcasts, users can search the Podcast Catalog by keyword, category, channel or top downloads, and subscribe or simply preview a particular podcast before subscribing. Downloaded episodes can be stored on a microSD card, to be enjoyed at any time. BlackBerry Podcasts also leverages the push technology of the BlackBerry platform to notify users when new content from a subscribed channel becomes available.

Rich and Growing Catalog of ContentRIM is working with a growing range of leading content providers to bring a wide variety of podcasts into the Podcast Catalog. Content providers currently include: Above and Beyond, Bloomberg, CBC, Corus, Discovery Networks, How Stuff Works, HBR, NPR, PRI, Reuters, Speed TV, TVO, The Onion, Wizzard Media, Resident Advisor Podcast and many more.

AvailabilityBlackBerry Podcasts is available free on BlackBerry App World (www.blackberry.com/appworld) for BlackBerry smartphones running BlackBerry OS v4.6 or higher.